Novel use of canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxy vitamin d3

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of canthaxanthin and at least one vitamin D metabolite, preferably 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25-OH D3), for improving broiler performance. More particularly the invention relates to the use of canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 in the manufacture of a feed composition for improving weight gain and carcass ratio.

1 . The use of canthaxanthin and at least one vitamin D metabolite for improving weight gain in poultry broilers. 
     
     
         2 . The use of canthaxanthin and at least one vitamin D metabolite for improving carcass ratio in poultry. 
     
     
         3 . The use according to  claim 1 , wherein the vitamin D metabolite is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3. 
     
     
         4 . The use of canthaxanthin and or 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 in the manufacture of a food or veterinary composition for improving weight gain in poultry broilers and carcass ratio in poultry animals. 
     
     
         5 . The use as in  claim 1  in the manufacture of a poultry food comprising from about 10 μg/kg to about 100 μg/kg of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 and from about 2 to 100 ppm canthaxanthin, preferably from about 2 ppm to 10 ppm. 
     
     
         6 . A method for improving weight gain carcass ratio in poultry, which comprises administering to an animal in need of such treatment an amount of about 2 ppm to 100 ppm, preferably 2 to 10 ppm of canthaxanthin and/or about 10 μg/kg to about 100 μg/kg of at least one vitamin D metabolite. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the vitamin D metabolite is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 are administered together. 
     
     
         9 . A premix composition comprising 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 and canthaxanthin for use in broiler feed for improving weight gain and carcass ratio in poultry animals.